WAC pleased with unexpected addition

Broncos are back in all but football, boosting league.

Published 11:26 pm, Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Though it doesn't address the need for more football members, Western Athletic Conference commissioner Karl Benson expressed confidence Wednesday that the unforeseen addition of Boise State as a non-football affiliate will further stabilize the league.

“This is a very positive day for the WAC,” he said. “This came totally unexpectedly. When presented, it was something we couldn't turn down. It's a testament that Boise State has confidence the WAC has a very, very bright future.”

Boise State had been a member of the WAC for a decade before joining the Mountain West Conference before this school year. The Broncos were one of five football teams accepted into the Big East on Wednesday, precipitating the decision to return the rest of their athletic program to its former home.

Benson said Boise State will rejoin the WAC on July 1, 2013, at which point the league is slated to have 11 members, including UTSA and Texas State. But only seven play football — and that's assuming they all stay.

Multiple outlets have identified numerous WAC schools as potential targets for the Mountain West and Conference USA, from which the Big East took all of its new schools.

Benson said he does not know what the future will hold for his league, despite regular discussions with the Mountain West and C-USA commissioners.

“Though today represents a moment of clarity, there will be other decisions, other moves that may impact the WAC,” he said. “(Losing more football programs) is a possibility. There are models that would result in no impact on the WAC. That's what I'm hoping for. I think there's a lot to be played out.”

Benson has said he would like to add at least two more football-playing members, the search for which will resume early next year.